129. Turning Setbacks into New Beginnings

Being laid off is one of the hardest experiences a professional can face. It’s not just about losing a job or a paycheck — it’s about losing stability, identity, and a sense of direction. The shock can feel overwhelming, and the emotions that follow often mirror the stages of grief.

In this episode of Mid Career Change, I sit down with Steve Jaffe, author of The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery. Over a 25-year career in advertising and marketing, Steve experienced four layoffs. Each time, he had to face the emotions head-on: denial, pain, negotiation, depression, and eventually acceptance, reconstruction, and renewal. His new book offers a compassionate and practical roadmap through these stages, helping people move from setback to possibility.

We talk about why layoffs strike so deeply at our sense of self, why it’s normal to feel anger or shame, and how to begin regaining confidence when the ground beneath you feels uncertain. Steve shares powerful insights from his own story, including how he reframed each layoff as a reset button — an opportunity to reflect on what mattered most and to reimagine the future.

What I especially valued in this conversation is Steve’s mix of empathy and practical wisdom. He reminds us that while job loss is painful, it doesn’t define us. He offers strategies for coping with the immediate shock, protecting your self-worth, and taking the first steps towards renewal. And he makes the case that, even in the messy middle of transition, there is always the possibility of growth.

If you’ve been laid off, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to build resilience in uncertain times, this episode will give you both comfort and direction.

🔗 You can find Steve’s book and learn more about his work at thestevejaffe.com

Thanks for listening!

If you need support with your career:
call me on 07833 593875
email mark@bravocoaching.co.uk
visit www.bravocoaching.co.uk